Drafted in the 12th round (373rd overall) by the Houston Astros in 2022 (signed for $125,000).
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
BA Grade: 50/High
Track Record: A four-year starter at Ohio State, Dezenzo went undrafted in 2021 and returned to campus ready to make a statement in 2022. He hit .319/.413/.701 with 19 home runs for the Buckeyes while splitting time between shortstop and first base. The Astros drafted Dezenzo in the 12th round in 2022. He debuted with Low-A Fayetteville following the draft, hitting .255/.342/.402 in 27 games. The Astros assigned Dezenzo to High-A Asheville to begin 2023 and he made quick work of the South Atlantic League, hitting .407/.474/.628 in 31 games. Promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi, Dezenzo hit .257/.339/.486 with 14 home runs and 16 stolen bases.
Scouting Report: A strong, physical player, Dezenzo looks the part of a power hitter, but he’s a better athlete than he appears. His bat-to-ball skills are below-average, but he does a good job of attacking hittable pitches and not expanding the zone. Dezenzo’s discerning eye makes up for his lack of natural bat-to-ball ability, minimizing his whiffs and allowing him to get to his plus power. He has double-plus raw power backed by elite exit velocity data, such as a 92.3 mph average EV and a 90th percentile EV of nearly 108. Dezenzo collected 43 extra-base hits in 2023 and should continue to grow as a power hitter as he makes loft adjustments to his swing. He’s an average runner and smart baserunner. Dezenzo is a below-average defender at third base but is still learning the position, with an above-average throwing arm that plays on the left side of the infield.
The Future: Dezenzo is a power-hitting corner infielder who may ultimately end up at first base. His power will be his carrying tool.